The Life of JEAN ELEANOR STEWART
Jean E. Stewart, 91, passed from this life on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines. In agreement with Jean's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service celebrating the life and spirit of Jean will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, in Des Moines. Burial of the cremated remains will take place at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.
Jean was born on April 28, 1920 in Russell, Iowa, to Milo John and Flo F. (Allen) Thornton. She married Alfred P. Stewart on April 30, 1942 and they were blessed with five daughters. Jean was formerly employed at the P.E.O. Executive Office on Grand Avenue and then as a legal secretary with Ahlers Law Firm until her retirement in 1990. She had been a member of Central Presbyterian Church but most recently was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was a 52-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter EH, the Des Moines Women's Club and a former member of the Friendship Force.
Jean loved to travel and with her friend, Catherine Mick, enjoyed many cruises and visited Europe several times, as well as Russia, Mexico, China, Australia and New Zealand. She had a creative flair in many areas, and shined as a beautiful seamstress and gifted knitter. Jean was very fond of her doll collection. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and dear friends.
She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters: Susan Webb, Sarah Stewart and Sally Long (John) all of the Des Moines area, Julie Shaw (Ron) of Phoenix, AZ and Joan Stewart-Polete (Rob) of Highlands Ranch, CO; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Jean was preceded into eternal life by her parents; husband, Alfred, following his untimely death in 1967; one brother, Richard A. Thornton; and several dear friends including Catherine Mick on May 3, 2011.
The family will greet friends following the memorial service on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to: The Iowa P.E.O. Project Fund, Inc. 14661 Fame Avenue, Colfax, IA 50524-7668; or Westminster Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 4114 Allison Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310; or Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes, 1755 – 59th Place, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
